You can now try Firefox OS 2.5 on your Android smartphone

Mozilla launched Firefox OS 2.5 Developer Preview earlier today, and is now offering the operating system as an app on Android. The experimental app replaces several elements of the Android homescreen with Firefox's web-based offering, and even comes with a set of system apps for phone calls, messages, emails, and even an app store. Think of it as a launcher with a set of bundled apps.

Here's the breakdown of what's new in Firefox OS 2.5:

Add-ons: Just like the add-ons we've come to love in desktop browsers, Firefox OS add-ons can extend just one app, several, or all of them, including the system app itself.

Private Browsing with Tracking Protection: A new Firefox privacy feature, Tracking Protection allows users to control how their browsing activity is tracked across many sites.

Pin the Web: Pin the Web removes the artificial distinction between web apps and web sites and lets you pin any web site or web page to your home screen for later usage.

Mozilla mentions that it employed workarounds to provide a consistent user experience to those on Android, and as such you'll find that the Android navigation buttons are overlaid atop the UI. However, you can't use the back button for navigation, as Firefox OS employs a single home button.

Given the nature of the app, it is available as a directly downloadable APK from the link below. Should you like what you see, you can also flash the OS on your handset.

In case you had the same problem as I did and the uninstall button is grayed out, here's what you do: Go you Settings>Home, and you should see a trash can icon next to Firefox. Tap it to uninstall the app, and reselect your original launcher.

The back button doesn't work. The apps don't seem to be in alphabetical order. Before a company jumps all in to make an OS, why don't they test out the market first? Or start with the development section? I'd say start like how cynagen mod did. Just sayin.

Really Diehard?? Do tell. Personally, I believe this is going to take off like an MX-774! It's the most beautiful UI I've ever seen. The mere fact that you can use your elbows and maybe even your forehead to tap on an icon without fear of missing is an accomplishment, no, a dream.. thought never to be seen in this lifetime or the next. But you can and the future is now!

These icons can be seen by the future generations to come. Bravo Mr Fox! BRAAAAV to the O! We officially now know what the Fox indeed says.... from several kilometers away... in broad daylight... even when the screen is set at its lowest brightness level. Going to a baseball field and one of the bases are missing? No worries! Just turn your phone screen on and let one of these icons be used as a base. Boom! Problem solved! Homerun!! Waiting for a helicopter rescue in the wilderness and no way to mark where you are? Simply set your phone down on the ground and wave your hand over the screen back and forth to create a blinking effect. Boom! Rescued! You're safe at home and eating a juicy steak with grilled seasoned asparagus by 8pm. Thanks Firefox!

I'm exploring a fluidity enhanced landscape that has 'add on' and 'app store' remnants of ios quality. Things are starting to get weird.

Posted via a different phone every time

**EDIT** this is a over engineered launcher and holy haptic feedback batman, it'll throw you off when your phone vibrates once when you touch a button and then again upon letting go.

**EDITx2** these icons are so large I feel like if this 'OS' fails they could always recycle this software to jitterbug for the geriatric demographic.

**final** alright, I'm stepping off this train. Gallery hangs up while 'scanning for photos', the layout feels absurdly crowded. Maybe this is the next big thing (get it? Because the icons are HUUUGGE) but I'm just not in love with it right now. Maybe if I was forced or persuaded to work with the 'OS' more I could make it more appealing but I believe Firefox has a way to go.